Youth club looks for new users for revamped centre

BOSSES at Portishead Youth Centre are looking for new organisations and groups to use the building when it re-opens after a re-fit in October.

The youth centre at Harbour Road is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, due to be completed at the end of September.

The work, which is the second phase of a scheme to redevelop the centre which opened in 1966, will see a new entrance created, the main hall refurbished, a new special needs area created and a new social area provided.

The games area and computer suite will also be upgraded.

The work has been funded by using a cash pot of more than £400,000 of 106 planning agreement cash from developments in the town.

Portishead Town Council has also earmarked £100,000 towards the project and the youth club so far has raised £110,000.

The first phase of the redevelopment of the club was finished in February 2010 at a cost of around £320,000.

The work included the refurbishment of an office into an administration area and consulting room.

Both the male, female and disabled loos were also totally revamped and fitted with a baby changing facility.

The centre's media suite - home to the youth centre's Radio Dynamic station - was also revamped and a new multi-purpose hall, complete with dance studio, created.

Youth club leaders have also launched an appeal to raise £60,000 to fit out the youth club, which has now nearly reached the half way mark.

So far the total stands at around £25,000 as a result of fundraising, grants and donations.

And although youth club bosses say they are excited about nearing the half way mark, they say more help is needed to help them reach their overall target.

Now youth club bosses are looking for new groups to use the building when it re-opens.

Currently the youth club is home to toddler groups and various dance clubs and more recently the Womens' Institute has booked a slot.

But there are still spaces for community groups to use the building during the daytime.

An open day is being held on September 30 for people to look around the revamped building ahead of the official opening on October 3.

Youth club senior youth worker, Alan Rowe, said: "The refurbishment work at the youth club is on track and we are on target for it to be completed at the end of September.

"We now want to hear from people who would like to use the building for meetings or for activities, during the day in term time.

"We already have a number of groups which are based at the building and we want to make sure that the building is used to its full potential by all sections of the community."

Anyone who wants to book a session at the youth club can call Alan Rowe on 01275 842606.